The word “AOBA” is the combination of two words “afro” and “Boriqua”. AfrO (is what connects me to my Black side. Hours spent washing, moisturizing, and styling her kinky, curly hair with my sisters and mother taught me to be patient and gentle. Time spent with my great-grandmother while she cooked pork chops in the kitchen, or when I would marvel at her many wigs while I tried on her extensive shoe collection, taught me the value of family and flavors that carry through generations.

Boriqua is what connects me to my Puerto Rican side. The word BoriquA comes from the word Borikén, the original, Taíno name of the island, it means “Land of the Valiant Lord”. Boriqua is what we call our people. It reminds me of my grandmother, who still takes the time to teach me all her family recipes. It reminds me of my aunts and cousins always asking “Are you hungry?'“, “Did you eat?” whenever we would come visit. It reminds me of the strength of people on the island, a tiny island with a culture and spirit that refuses to be diminished or quieted by anyone.

Aoba is me. It is the summation of all of the spirit, knowledge, lessons, and love that come with being born of two races, two cultures. It is the blending of rich, generational, and deep-rooted Soul food recipes and the vivid and expressive flavors and style of Puerto Rico, cleaned seasoned, spiced, and prepared perfectly for you to enjoy.